FIRST STOP SWISS SNOWKITE TOUR

SWISS SNOWKITE TOUR

The first stop of the Swiss snowkite tour was held at probably one of the most famous snowkite spots in the world. It is no coincidence as the spot is one of the windiest spots and with two lakes it’s also very versatile. It also has an eastern and a western back country area and 4 other spots near that ensure a lot of possibilities.

Riders with the most rounds on the frozen Bianco lake within a certain time were sure of the win in this first race at a height of 2330m.

Felix Kersten, winner of last years RedBull Ragnarok joined the Peter Lynn Kitesports team and got back out on the snow. Here is what he said about the race.

Felix

“The weather was really nice with sun and fresh powder on the lake, it couldn’t be much better. Just a bit cold with minus 12° Celcius during the day.

On the first day the winds were quite gusty, shifting between 9 and 18 knots. I took my new 16m Aero proto and directly felt good with it. I won all 4 races so I’m very happy!

The second day the wind conditions had changed so the weather was a bit milder and less gusty. Again I took my 16m Aero and could win the first race. Then I switched kites with my team mate Bruce Kessler and I took the 17m Aero and won again, but in the next race I was directly cleared away at the starting line with some other guys, so Bruce was first. Last race I scored a second place close behind Bruce. Overall I could win just in front of Bruce Kessler and Oliver Willi, Thanks for the nice battles guys!

After the races I changed spot and had some short fun at the other Bernina pass in the setting sun and awesome powder. In the late afternoon I could also test the new Leopard. I liked it directly and was quite impressed how fast the 11m turned in comparison to the snowkites i flew in the last years. Now the Leopard also has a 5th line with a flagout system. So the kite has no power anymore if you pull it , but if you want to restart it, it goes directly.

Thank you kite-events, especially Wenke Soetebeer and Raik Richter and all guys who made this great event possible. Now I’m looking for Christmas and hopefully some good weather to ride up some mountains and to train for races. Downwind and in maneuver I really need to improve, i noticed again. Again I’m happy to be in this team and with Bruce I have a very good and inspiring teammate.”